World Golf Hall of Fame inductee hits the links in Bonita Springs

A world-class golfer’s legacy is swinging on.

It is not everyday golfers at Pelican’s Nest Golf Club get lessons from a legend. The former ‘it girl,’ Jan Stephenson, brought her tips and tricks to an admiring audience.

“Well, I’m actually doing a short game clinic,” Stephenson said. “I’m doing a putting clinic, so we’re going to teach a little bit about putting.”

It could not have come at a better time. The former Women’s U.S. Open and LPGA champion is now a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee. It is a moment she has been waiting for after being passed over two times.

“It’s so exciting to get my own locker at the World Hall of Fame and my own case to show my history,” Stephenson said.

Since retiring, Stephenson went on to compete in Dancing with the Stars Australia in 2013, created a music production company and now has her own line of rum.

But, she said her biggest joy is giving back to the community. Stephenson teaches lessons to the blind and even disabled veterans.

“I wanted to see what it was like, so I actually learned to play golf blindfolded,” Stephenson said. “It is very difficult. I could do the hitting part, but I can’t walk.”